Kids at an overnight watching a ray swim by in Norfolk Canyon.

Welcome night owls and sleepy seals to Scout Overnights! Get ready for a night of fun activities, nautical night lights, and a snooze under the sea stars. Please use this information for a safe and comfortable night for all. Sweet dreams!

Planning Ahead

Doors open at 7:00pm. Please arrive on time for check-in. Parking is free for this event. Enter at the blue canopy to the left of the main entrance at the North Building. Upon entry, guests will be directed to the gear staging area.

All guests must have their belongings out of exhibit spaces by 8:00am. Belongings must be in vehicles no later than 8:30am, with gear staging available for scouts who were dropped off. The Virginia Aquarium is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Aquarium admission for the following date is included in the overnight price. Tour the Aquarium on your own when the exhibits open at 9:00am. Hand stamps will be provided at breakfast for the admission that day.

Adult chaperones are responsible for child behavior. Adult to Scout ratio cannot exceed 1:1 and must be a minimum of 1 adult to 5 scouts.

Dinner is not served during the overnight program. We strongly recommend eating dinner prior to your arrival. A small evening snack and breakfast will be served. If you or your child have dietary restrictions, please reach out to the Programs team. The Aquarium will also have vending machines available for guests to purchase snacks or drinks throughout the event. Water bottle refill stations can be found near the bathrooms, which are located in the lobby and near Ray Touch Pool. No outside food or drink is permitted.

Packing List

  • Sleepwear: The Aquarium is climate-controlled but can become chilly at night, so layers are recommended. Appropriate sleepwear is required.

  • Sleeping bag (no more than 32x78 inches). Cots are not permitted.

  • Sleeping mat (no more than 32x78 inches): For extra cushion and comfort on the exhibit floor.

  • Change of clothes

  • Pillows and blankets

  • Sleeping mask: Select exhibit lighting will remain on.

  • Comfortable shoes or slippers: shoes are required when guests are not in sleeping bags.

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Water bottle

  • Flashlight (cannot be used to shine into exhibits)

  • Portable power source: electrical outlets are limited. If a power source is necessary, such as for use of a CPAP machine, please inform staff prior to the event. A portable charging unit is recommended for smaller devices, such as cell phones.

Please Note

Privacy in the sleeping areas will be limited. Sleeping bags and mats may not exceed 32x78 inches. Showers are not available for use.

Overnight FAQs

The event is held 7:00pm-8:30am.

Due to the content of the program and the nature of the sleeping arrangements, all participants at our scout overnights must be at least 5 years old. Guests participating in the behind-the-scenes tour must be at least 8 years old and 48 inches tall.

Check-in for the overnight begins promptly at 7:00pm. Please be on time as doors will be locked following check-in. Aquarium Security can be reached at (757) 630-1146 if needed for an unavoidable late arrival.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center reserves the right to cancel an overnight program at any time. If your overnight program is cancelled, you will be notified and receive a full refund. Refund requests cannot be made within 30 days of the overnight date.

No, staff assign sleeping locations based on group size and needs accommodations.

Dinner is not served during the overnight program. We strongly recommend eating dinner prior to your arrival. A small evening snack and breakfast will be served. If you or your child have dietary restrictions, please reach out to the Programs team. The Aquarium will also have vending machines available for guests to purchase snacks or drinks throughout the event. Water bottle refill stations can be found near the bathrooms, which are located in the lobby and near Ray Touch Pool. No outside food or drink is permitted.

If you or your child have dietary restrictions, please reach out to the Programs team.

No, parking will be free for this event!

All guests must have their belongings out of exhibit spaces by 8:00am. Belongings must be in vehicles no later than 8:30am, with gear staging available for scouts who were dropped off. The Virginia Aquarium is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Electrical outlets are limited. If a power source is necessary, such as for use of a CPAP machine, please inform staff prior to the event. A portable charging unit is recommended for smaller devices, such as cell phones.

The North Building store will be opening at 8:30am to accommodate those guests who would like to shop prior to the exhibits opening.

Yes, cameras are allowed inside the Aquarium. Please be mindful of exhibits that prohibit flash photography. Flash photography is not permitted after lights outs. Photography is not permitted during behind-the-scenes tours.

The overnight will take place exclusively at the North Building. As a part of the overnight price, overnight guests can explore the Aquarium, including the South Building, starting at 9:00am the next day.

AMMPA Logo
AZA Accredited Logo
WAZA Logo